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Why Such Confusion About the Kingdom of God?
Sermonette by Craig SablichIn Matthew 6:33, Jesus states that seeking His Kingdom is our primary goal. Most Christian organizations have no concept of what the Kingdom of God is.
The Kingdom of God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Kingdom of God is a central focus, a goal for which we strive, and it belongs entirely to God. He is its owner, creator, and ruler, possessing absolute sovereignty over it. He can admit or bar anyone as He chooses, with no one standing between Him and His Kingdom. Inheriting the Kingdom of God, however, is not yet a reality for us as flesh and blood beings. We cannot inherit it in our current state, for corruption and mortality stand as barriers to such an inheritance. Yet, God already considers us citizens of His Kingdom in spirit. He has translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of His love, marking a legal designation of our citizenship, loyalties, and responsibilities from this world to the Kingdom of Heaven. Though we remain corruptible and live in this world, we belong to Him, answering to His authority alone. We are ambassadors for Christ, representing His Kingdom now, even as we await full inheritance. This transference differs from inheritance. While we are spiritually part of the Kingdom, hidden in Christ and covered by His righteousness, we have not yet attained the glorified state required for full inheritance. Our life is hidden with Christ in God, and through His mediation, God sees His Son in us, granting us access and grace despite our corruption. We are in a training period, malleable clay being shaped by God, who understands our frame and offers us time to grow, overcome, and repent. As trial members of His Kingdom, we bear a great responsibility to live by His rules, representing Him in this world. God has given us a taste of the Kingdom through His church, a spiritual type that falls short of the future fullness. We have tasted the heavenly gifts and the powers of the age to come, yet we must remain faithful, for turning away could revoke our citizenship. The final inheritance of the Kingdom of God awaits Christ's return, when He will establish it fully on earth, and we, if faithful, will reign with Him in glory.
God Wants You
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWe have a special calling as the firstfruits, ultimately becoming God's very offspring, patterning and conforming our lives after Jesus Christ.
Thy Kingdom Come! (Part Two)
'Prophecy Watch' by StaffThis age will end to be succeeded by the glorious reign of Christ. God's Kingdom will come, whether or not we as individuals inherit it when the time comes.
Hebrews 2: God Is Present
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God's people must immerse themselves daily in the Scriptures. While sinning Israelites consider God to be absent, He is nevertheless present with His saints.
Heirs of the Kingdom
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerThe Jews believed that they had a natural right to the privileges of God's kingdom. They called themselves, therefore, "the children of the kingdom."
The Israel of God
Article by Charles WhitakerPaul refers to the church as 'the Israel of God.' Why not 'the Judah of God'? Why did God not inspire Paul to call the church "the Jacob of God"?
The Angel of God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Angel of the Lord is the pre-incarnate Christ, who appears at critical moments in history to deliberately move events toward their fulfillment.
Divine Providence (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerGod's care for us goes well beyond fulfilling our basic physical needs. He is far more interested in providing those things that aid us in our spiritual walk.
Is the Christian Required To Do Works? (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughJesus came with a message of salvation, called 'the gospel of the Kingdom of God.' Here is the relationship between the gospel and Christian works.
What Is Your Lentil Soup?
'Ready Answer' by StaffThe story of Esau and his selling his birthright for a bowl of soup is a cautionary tale for today. What we treasure will ultimately determine our destiny.
Making the Cut (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWhy should we think that God disdains requirements for entrance into His Kingdom? Spiritual growth is an intrinsic part of equipping the saints for service.
Deuteronomy (Part 2)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need to develop vision (the ability to see in the mind's eye) so that by living the statutes of Deuteronomy, we may become a witness to all of mankind.
Hebrews as a Sermon (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God designed the sermon of Hebrews to motivate God's people, who are going through the same turmoil as those living in 65 AD, facing persecution from society.
Born Again (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The gestation or fetus analogy does not adequately depict the sanctification process in which there has to be volition, judgment, and conscious choice.